One tip I often give to clients who are suffering from nasal congestion due to cold or flu is to eat curried onions and carrots. Here is a recipe I use.
Peel, rinse and slice one medium red or yellow onion and one carrot. Heat virgin olive oil or coconut oil in a medium skillet. Add sliced onion and carrot. Sprinkle in curry powder and sea salt to taste. Stir gently to keep onion slices from sticking and to ensure they are evenly coated with the salt and curry powder. Add a tablespoon of raisins or currants for a sweet variation. Heat until onions are limp and clear.
Enjoy! Curried onions and carrots will temporarily help relieve sinus congestion due to cold and flu.
ONIONS ARE GOOD FOR US
Onions are a member of the Allium family – commonly known as the garlic and onion family. They have many helpful properties. Alliums in general are antibacterial and anti-fungal, so they can help protect us from colds and relieve stomach upset and other gastrointestinal disorders. Allium is used homeopathic for allergies.
Onions contain 25 active compounds that appear to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells, help combat heart disease, inhibit strokes, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and stimulate the immune system.
Of all the healthy benefits of onions, two elements stand out: sulfur (a compound) and quercetin (a flavonoid). They each have been shown to help neutralize the free radicals in the body, and protect the membranes of the body’s cells from damage. Quercetin, an antioxidant. Interestingly, white onions contain very little quercetin, so it’s better to stick with the yellow and red varieties.
Many health professionals recommend eating raw onions for maximum benefit, but cooking makes them more versatile and doesn’t significantly reduce their potency. Quercetin can withstand the heat of cooking.
ONION NUTRITIONAL FACTS
Serving Size: 1 medium onion (148g)*
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 60
Calories from Fat: 0% of Daily Value
Total Fat: 0g 0%
Saturated Fat: 0g 0%
Cholesterol: 0mg 0%
Sodium: 5mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate:14g 5%
Dietary Fiber: 3g 12%
Sugars 9g
Protein 2g
Vitamin A: 0%
Vitamin C: 20%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
SOURCES
PMA Labeling Facts
Onions are Beneficial for Your Health, http://www.vegetarian-nutrition.info
RELATED POSTS
Soothing Hot Drinks for Snifflers
Stop Colds & Flu: Best Practices to Keep Yourself Well
The Nose Knows ~ Daily Care for Your Nose
Ahh-Choosing Homeopathy for Natural Allergy Relief
Copyright © 2011 –, Myra Nissen.
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This article was brought to you by Myra Nissen, CCH, RSHom(NA), Board Certified Classical Homeopath. Myra teaches women how to recognize their body’s unique needs and cues and uses Homeopathy to help empower women to take control of their bodies, health and well-being. Find out more, she regularly publishes articles with home care tips for health and well-being in several venues. Visit her blog www.myranissen.com/blog.